Shell catcher attached to the reciprocable bolt of a firearm



P 6, 1965 R. v. SEYMOUR ETAL 3,270,617

SHELL CATCHER ATTACHED TO THE RECIPROCABLE BOLT OF A FIREARM Filed March 22, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTORS RALPH V. SEYMOUR B CARL E. BULLARD WIN: W 4' \L hmg g ATTORNEYS Sept. 6, 1966 R. v. SEYMOUR ETAL 3,270,617

SHELL CATCHER ATTACHED TO THE RECIFROCABLE BOLT OF A FIREARM Filed March 22, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 \NVENTOR RALPH V- SEYMOUR BYCARL E. BULLARD m vvwww ATTORNEYS United States Patent RECIP- This invention relates to firearms and is particularly concerned with a device for catching expended shells as they are ejected from the firearm. This device is adapted for use on firearms which eject the expended shell upon the rearward movement of the bolt, and is especially adaptable for firearms of the semi-automatic type shotgun.

In recent years, many trapshooters and target shooters have begun to use the shotgun of the semi-automatic type. One of the principal advantages of this type shotgun is that it provides up to 55% less recoil than fixed action shotguns. This is especially beneficial when these shooters engage in extensive shooting. Many of the shooters will fire several hundred rounds in a day, making use of this automatic shotgun with less recoil especially beneficial. As an economic measure many of these trap shooters load their own shells, and consequently, re-use expended cartridges. One of the disadvantages in using a shotgun of the semi-automatic type is that the expended shell is automatically ejected from the shotgun and may fall in the mud and become soiled. This prevents the expended shells from being reloaded.

Another disadvantage when using the semi-automatic type shotgun in competition firing is that the expended shells are a nuisance to adjacent shooters on a firing line in that the shells are ejected in the vicinity of the adjacent shooter. The shell catcher as disclosed in this application is especially adaptable for catching shells as they are ejected from firearms of the above variety.

One known shell catcher does exist and is shown in the patent to Browning No. 3,087,387 which issued April 30, 1963. The advantages of the applicants invention over the shell catcher disclosed in the above patent will become apparent from the following. Accordingly, the following are the objects of this invention:

(1) To provide a device for attachment to firearms such as shotguns for effectively catching shells as they are ejected from the chamber thereof.

(2) To provide a device for catching shells which is economical to produce and which can be readily at tached to existing shotguns.

(3) To provide a shell catcher which will not interfere with the normal operation of the firearm.

(4) To provide a shell catching device which is readily adaptable to different models of existing firearms.

These and other objects and advantages of this invention will become more apparent upon reference to the following specification taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a side view of a firearm with the shell catching device of this invention attached thereto;

FIGURE 2 is a side view similar to FIGURE 1 in which the bolt of the firearm is in its rearward position with the expended shell being ejected;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the section shown in FIG- URE 2;

FIGURE 4 is a top view of one embodiment of the shell catching device of this invention;

FIGURE 5 is an end view of the device looking from the direction A of FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 6 is a side view of the device looking from the direction B of FIGURE 5;

FIGURE 6A shows another embodiment of the deice vice in which the parallel arms are square in cross section instead of being circular;

FIGURE 7 is a side view of another embodiment of the shell catching device which is detachably fastened to the operating handle of the bolt of the firearm, and

FIGURE 8 is a side view of another embodiment of this device in which the device is detachably fastened to the bolt of the firearm.

Referring to the drawings in more detail, FIGURE 1 discloses a firearm generally designated 10 on which the shell catching device generally designated 36 may be attached. The firearm 10 may be of the variety which ejects the expended shells upon the rearward movement of the bolt, as is the case with pump operated shotguns and shotguns of the semi-automatic type. This invention is especially adaptable to shotguns of the latter type.

The firearm 10 is provided with a receiver 12 and the usual stock 14 and barrel assembly 16 as shown. A forearm guard 18 is also provided along with the usual trigger assembly 20.

The receiver 12 is provided with an ejector port or opening 22 which is slightly elongated on one side to provide a recess 24 which receives the bolt operating handle 26 shown in rearward movement of the bolt.

The bolt operating handle 26 is detachably retained in a recess 28 which is provided in the bolt 30. In the embodiment shown the bolt handle is provided with a stem portion 32 which has a counter sunk recess 34 on the underside thereof as shown in FIGURE 1. The bolt handle is shown in perspective in FIGURE 1 and is detachably inserted in the bolt as is common with some shotgun models, as for example, the Remington 1100 series of Automatic Shotgun. The shell catching device 36 of this invention is provided with a stern portion 33 as better seen in FIGURES 4 and 6. The stem portion 38 has a recess 40 on the underside thereof in which a ball detent member fits (not shown) when the shell catching device is inserted in recess 28 of the bolt 30. By this construction, the shell catcher is conveniently detachably retained in the bolt 30.

The shell catcher 36 is provided with a pair of parallel arms 42 and 44 which have ends 46 and 48 flaring outwardly away from the longitudinal axis of the shell catcher as shown in FIGURE 6. The arms 42 and 44 are substantially parallel to each other. However, the open end of the shell catcher may be slightly wider than the closed end to permit easy entry of the shell therein.

As seen in FIGURES 4 through 6, the shell catcher 36 comprises essentially a U-shaped member which is secured to the stem piece 38 by suitable connecting member 49 which has the general shape shown in these figures. The shell catcher may be made out of suitable material such as steel or nylon to provide a lowcost device.

The arms 42 and 44 may be made from a single piece of wire-like metal, or the arms may be individually formed and secured to the member 49 by suitable techniques, as by welding.

FIGURE 1 also shows the position of the shell catcher when the bolt is in the forward or firing position. It should be noted that at this time the arms 42 and 44 are well forward of the opening 22, whereas in FIG- URES 2 and 3, these arms are in substantial registration with the opening 22.

FIGURES 2 and 3 show the shell in the process of being ejected after being fired. The shell 50 has a rim 52 thereon which abuts against a shoulder 54 positioned on the inside of receiver 12, as shown in FIG- URE 1. As the rim abuts against this shoulder, the extractor 56 also engages the rim 52, and upon rearward motion of the bolt, the shell 50 is ejected from the opening 22. At this time, the shell catcher 36 is positioned in its rearward position in which the parallel arms 42 and 44 are in substantial alignment with the opening 22.

As seen from FIGURES 2 and 3, the length of the arms along the direction of the travel of the bolt are such as to provide an opening between the ends 46 and 48 of the arms and the forward end of opening 22. This opening provides the necessary clearance through which the expended shell 50 may be removed from the shell catcher as shown along the direction A of FIGURE 3. It should be mentioned that when utilizing the automatic shotgun in competition shooting, generally only one round is inserted in the shotgun. After the round is fired, the bolt is retained in its rearward position through suitable known mechanism within the receiver of the firearm. After the expended shell is removed from the shell catcher, a live shell is then inserted in the chamber. The live shell is inserted rim first into the clearance previously mentioned and then is aligned in the receiver of the firearm. The bolt release mechanism is then released and the live round is driven forward and positioned in the chamber of the firearm.

The shell catcher is adaptable for use on either plastic or paper shells. In order to adapt the shell catcher for use with either of these shells, it is sometimes necessary to widen the distance between the parallel arms or close it as is necessary to utilize the shell catcher effectively. In this respect, the shell catcher is made out of resilient materials which permit this adjustment. Once the adjustment is made, the shells are efficiently caught by the shell catcher.

The arms of the shell catcher may be circular as shown in FIGURES 4 through 6, or the arms may be quadrilaterally shaped in cross section as shown at 58 in FIG- URE 6A. It appears that the plastic shells are more effectively caught by the arms of square cross section; however, either the circular or quadrilaterally shaped cross section are entirely workable.

FIGURE 7 shows another embodiment of a shell catcher of this invention. The shell catcher 60 has the arms 62 and 64 as previously mentioned, and the shell catcher is detachably secured to the operating handle 66 which is connected to bolt 67 shown in phantom outline. This modification is for those firearms in which the bolt operating handle is not detachable from the bolt itself. The bolt is shown positioned in the opening 68, which is also shown in phantom outline. The shell catcher 60 has a neck portion 70 joining the parallel arms as shown, and also includes a yoke portion 72 which straddles the operating handle 66. The yoke member 72 is suitably drilled and tapped to receive fasteners 74 and 76 to detachably retain the shell catcher on the operating handle 66.

In some instances, it may be desirable to detachably fasten the shell catcher on to the bolt itself of the firearm. This embodiment is shown in FIGURE 8. The shell catcher herein generally designated 78 has the parallel arms 80 and 82 as previously explained. A suitable connection portion 84 is used to connect the arms to a fastening member 86. The bolt 90 may be suitably drilled and tapered to receive screws 92 which detachably retain the shell catcher 78 to the bolt itself. The member 86 along with a bolt handle 98, which may or may not exist, are each small enough to fit into the recess 96 provided in opening 94, which are both shown in phantom outline.

By this construction, applicants have provided a shell catcher which is of simple construction and inexpensive to manufacture. The shell catcher can be detachably installed on firearms already in existence. For some automatic or semi-automatic type shotguns which are provided with detachably bolt operating handles, the shell catching device of this invention is ideal in that it may be detachably inserted in the bolt in the same manner as the bolt handle.

In all embodiments disclosed herein, the parallel arms which catch the rim of the ejected shell are positioned substantially parallel to the side of the receiver with the lower arm 42, for example, as shown in FIGURE 2, being positioned preferably slightly below the lower side of opening 22. The arms are spaced away from the receiver a sufficient distance so as to be free from hitting the guard 18 or other protruding parts of the particular firearm on which the shell catcher is used.

It will be understood that this invention is susceptible to modification in order to adapt it to different usages and conditions; and accordingly, it is desired to comprehend such modifications within this invention as may fall within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In combination; a firearm having an opening through which a spent shell is ejected and also having a reciprocable bolt therein operable for ejecting the spent shell upon the rearward movement of the bolt, and a shell catcher mounted on said bolt so as to travel with said bolt and positioned on said bolt so as to be adjacent said opening when said bolt is moved rearwardiy and operable to catch and retain said spent shell as it is ejected from said opening.

2. In combination; a firearm having a receiver with an opening in one side thereof for ejection of an empty shell therefrom and also having a reciprocable bolt in said receiver operable upon rearward movement of the bolt to ejecting said empty shell through said opening, a shell catcher having means disposed adjacent said opening for catching and retaining said shell as it is ejected from said receiver, and means detachably securing said shell catcher with said bolt movement in unison therewith, said shell catcher being positioned on said bolt so as to be moved thereby into operative alignment with said opening when said bolt is moved rearwardly.

3. In combination; a repeating firearm having a receiver with an opening in one side thereof for the ejection of shells therefrom and also having a reciprocable bolt in said receiver with a bolt handle attached thereto, said bolt being operable upon rearward movement thereof to eject a shell from said receiver, a shell catcher adapted to catch and retain shells ejected from said opening, and means operatively connecting said shell catcher with said bolt handle for movement of the shell catcher with said bolt, said shell catcher being positioned relative to said bolt so as to be moved into operative alignment with said opening upon rearward movement of said bolt.

4. In combination; a repeating firearm having a receiver with an opening in one side thereof for ejection of empty shells therefrom and also having a reciprocable bolt in said receiver operable upon rearward movement to eject a shell from said receiver through said opening, said bolt having a recess therein adapted detachably to receive a bolt handle, and a shell catcher having means detachably received in said recess to fix the shell catcher to said bolt, said shell catcher also having means disposed adjacent said opening, when the bolt is moved rearwardly, for catching shells as they are ejected from said receiver through said opening.

5. In combination; a repeating firearm having a receiver with an opening in one side thereof for ejection of empty shells therefrom and also having a bolt in said receiver for use in ejecting said shells, said bolt having a recess therein to detachably receive a bolt handle, a shell catcher comprising; a pair of arms in substantially parallel relationship extending in a plane spaced from said receiver, said arms being spaced apart a distance to receive the body of shell ejected from said opening and to engage the head of the shell to halt further movement thereof, and means maintaining said arms in said parallel relationship and detachably secured to said bolt.

6. In combination; a repeating firearm having a receiver with an opening in one side thereof for ejection of empty shells therefrom and also having a bolt in said receiver for use in ejecting said shells, a shell catcher comprising; a generally U-shaped member having arms in substantially parallel relationship and being spaced apart a distance to receive the body of a shell ejected from said opening and to engage the head of a shell to halt further movement thereof, the said arms being in substantial registration with said opening when said shell is being ejected therefrom, and means dctachably securing said U-shaped member to said bolt to travel therewith.

7. In combination; a repeating firearm having a receiver with an opening in one side thereof for ejection of empty shells therefrom and also having a bolt in said receiver for use in ejecting said shells, said bolt having a recess therein to detachably receive a bolt handle, a shell catcher comprising; a generally Ushaped member having arms in substantially parallel relationship and being spaced apart a distance to receive the body of a shell ejected from said opening and to engage the head of a shell to halt further movement thereof, the said arms being in substantial registration with said opening when said shell is being ejected therefrom, and means secured to said U-shaped member and inserted in said recess of said bolt to detachably secure said shell catcher thereto.

8. In combination; a repeating firearm having a receiver with an opening in one side thereof for ejection of empty shells therefrom and also having a reciprocable bolt in said receiver operable upon rearward movement to eject a shell from said receiver through said opening; said bolt having a recess therein to detachably receive a bolt handle, and a shell catcher secured to said bolt so as to travel therewith and comprising; a generally U-shaped member having arms in substantially parallel relationship and being spaced apart a distance to receive the body of a shell ejected from said opening and to engage the head of a shell to halt further movement thereof, the said arms being in substantial registration with said opening only when said shell is being ejected therefrom, said arms being resilient and generally circular in cross section and bent away from the longitudinal axis of the U-shaped member at the open end thereof.

9. The combination as claimed in claim 7 in which said arms are of a predetermined length to provide a space between the free ends of the arms and the forward end of the opening when the said bolt is in its rearward position at the rear of said opening, said space being of sufficient size to enable a spent shell to be removed from said shell catcher while said shell catcher is on said firearm with said arms being substantially parallel to said firearm at said opening.

10. A shell catching device for use with a firearm having an opening on one side thereof through which spent shells are ejected from the firearm, said firearm including a bolt reciprocable therein for ejecting said shells through said opening, said device comprising; a generally U-shaped member having arms in substantial parallel relation with each other and spaced apart a distance to receive the body of shell ejected from said opening and to engage the head of a shell to halt further movement thereof, and said device including means for securing said member to said bolt for movement therewith and to position said arms in substantial registration with said opening when said bolt is reciprocated into position to cause ejection of a shell through said opening.

11. A shell catching device as claimed in claim 10 in which said bolt has a recess therein to detachably receive a bolt handle, and said means for securing said member to said bolt comprises means on the said member adapted to be detachably retained in said recess.

12. A detachable shell catcher and bolt operating handle device adapted for use with a repeating firearm having an opening on one side therefor for ejection of spent shells and also having a bolt with a recess therein for detachably receiving a bolt handle, said device comprising, a generally U-shaped member having substantially parallel arms spaced apart a distance to receive the body of a shell ejected from said opening and to engage the head of a shell to halt further movement thereof, a joining member having one end detachably retained in said recess in said bolt and the other end secured to said U-shaped member to position said parallel arms in substantial registration with said opening as said shell is ejected therefrom, said arms being resilient and bent away from the longitudinal axis of the U-shaped member at the open end thereof.

13. The shell catcher as claimed in claim 12 in which said arms are generally circular in cross section.

14. The shell catcher as claimed in claim 12 in which said arms are generally quadrilateral in cross section.

15. A detachable shell catcher adapted for use with a firearm having an opening through which spent shells are ejected by the rearward movement of a bolt in the firearm, said device comprising; a pair of arms held in spaced substantially parallel relationship to receive the body of a shell ejected from said opening and to engage the head of the shell to halt further movement thereof, means for joining said arms at one end and for maintaining said arms in said relationship, said arms being substantially equal in length to the length of the shell being ejected and less in length than the length of said opening as measured along the direction of bolt travel, and bracket means joined to said last-named means for detachably securing said arms to said bolt to travel therewith, said bracket means also being adapted to maintain said arms in substantially spaced parallel relationship to said firearm at said opening and to maintain said arms in substantial registration with said opening when said bolt is in its rearward position, the other ends of said arms being spaced from the forward end of said opening when the bolt is in its rearward position to provide a space through which the spent shell may be removed from said shell catcher and through which a live shell may be inserted into said opening in said firearm while said arms are maintained in substantially parallel relationship to said firearm at said opening.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 374,597 12/ 1887 Gregg. 2,454,885 11/1948 Robinson 4216 2,476,904 7/1949 Perry 8933 3,087,387 4/1963 Browning 89-33 BENJAMIN A. BORCHELT, Primary Examiner. SAMUEL FEINBERG, Examiner. 

1. IN COMBINATION; A FIREARM HAVING AN OPENING THROUGH WHICH A SPENT SHELL IS EJECTED AND ALSO HAVING A RECIPROCABLE BOLT THEREIN OPERABLE FOR EJECTING THE SPENT SHELL UPON THE REARWARD MOVEMENT OF THE BOLT, AND A SHELL CATCHER MOUNTED ON SAID BOLT SO AS TO TRAVEL WITH SAID BOLT AND POSITIONED ON SAID BOLT SO AS TO BE ADJACENT SAID OPENING WHEN SAID BOLT IS MOVED REARWARDLY AND OPERABLE TO CATCH AND RETAIN SAID SPENT SHELL AS IT IS EJECTED FROM SAID OPENING. 